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Setting aside his speed, arm strength and unlimited potential, this kid is just the most likeable player that I can remember. He has as much natural ability as any kid in the nation, without a shred of the ego / arrogance that usually accompanies such talent.

Also, while many poke fun at RR's "quirky" personality (Football Bust), I think that it was pretty awesome that he got down in the snow and made snow angels with Denard. What an awesome guy. Whether he stays or goes, and whether he was a good fit for Michigan or not, it is hard not to really just like Coach Rod.

Very nice story. I'm starting to think that it's harder to get positive press in the MSM (you have to have an unprecedented season offensively) than negative (you have to play a cheesy song at a banquet).

On the day he committed, Robinson told reporters: "'I want to be the face of Michigan."

Has he done that?

"Not yet," he said. "I haven't proved myself. I still want to make my name like Des (Howard) andCharles WoodsonandTom Brady."

He is getting there. But we all know that he will always be one of the best that played at Michigan and will always be one of the most liked. We all love ya Denard, keep on being yourself and working hard.

“What the mind can conceive, the mind can achieve and those who stay will be champions.” - Bo

I thought this was a very telling comment by Denard. He recognizes that he walks in the footsteps of many great Wolverines and is working to live up to those standards. I don't think Rodriguez or the rest of the coaching staff could ask for anything more from a young man.

...of the 2010 team. Ever since the UConn game, it's been almost impossible to read an article or hear a story about UM football in which Denard is not mentioned. As regards a longer term impact, if he stays healthy for two more years in this system we may be talking (favorably) about this kid for a long time to come. He is truly a gifted athlete and a fine reflection on both the team and the University.

But seriously... we can't give enough accolades to this kid. He's a class act on and off the field. The team loves and looks up to him, a true leader. He is always the first to acknowledge that his teammates are the reason he's accomplished so much this season and that he is always trying to improve.

RR has a knack for finishing strong in recruiting. Landed Barum, Roundtree, Denard and Dorsey in Janurary and signing day. However, his future is in a limbo that it's hard for RR to recruit as well as he normally does.

That there are still people in the media (even if it is in Chicago) that realize there is more to a person than wins and losses and their song choices at banquets. I think people fail to get past the title of "Coach" when the think about Rodriguez, thus neglecting that oh so important fact that he is a human being who loves, cries, feels and cares just like the rest of us.

Regardless of what people feel about his tenure as a coach at Michigan, I'd argue until my voice is gone against anyone that says this guy doesn't have the character or the passion that a Michigan Man needs. I hope people don't let their opinions about the CC muddy the fact that Rich Rodriguez truly cares about what he does and the kids he coaches. He's successfully molding boys into men, and that's a hell of a lot tougher job than winning football games, IMO.

Mike Downey left the Free Press for Chicago years ago. One continued on the path to having its greatest value as a liner for bird cages at Grandmas house, and the other is still viable though I think Downey kept going "West young man"

I like how last year all anyone could talk about were the shoelaces. Heck, even to start this season it was all about the shoes. Now that the country has learned the true character and abilities of this great kid, they have more of a story than just the footwear.

Of course the over/under on shoelace references by the Gator bowl tv crew must be +/- 5.